Afghan opium production still alarmingly high: UN

A United Nations report on the drugs trade in Afghanistan says the country is continuing to produce opium at an alarming rate.

Nimroz province is expected to see sharp increases, but neighbouring Helmand itself should remain around the same.

The province will remain the source of more than half of Afghanistan's opium, the raw material for much of Europe's heroin.

The UN office on drugs and crime based its findings on interviews in almost 500 villages across the country and says there is a positive message.

The report says more provinces could be declared poppy-free in 2008 if eradication is successful in the safer parts of the country and that overall the harvest will be similar to or lower than last year.